Dover-Calais ferries standard v flexi tickets

andrewf75

Looking at booking Dover-Calais ferry in summer. But confused about the different tickets (standard and flexi) and what happens if you 1) miss your booked crossing or 2) arrive early. Seems to me that paying extra for a flexi ticket isn’t worth it as in practise you get put on an earlier or later crossing with a standard ticket anyway. Have I got this right or is there an advantage in paying for a flexi ticket?

Thanks!

peachyprice

If you don't have a flexi and miss your departure or turn up early they can charge you the fare difference. That can end up being a fair but more than the flexi would have been.

In reality, depending on how busy it is they don't always charge, I've probably had a 50/50 success rate over the years of getting on earlier/later sailings without being charged and it's usually if you turn up late they charge. If you're early and they have space they usually just let you on, and if they want to charge you have the option of waiting for the ferry you're booked on.

With a fully flex you can turn up any time and they will get you on a ferry at no extra charge.

If we've been driving long distances I would usually go for a flexi, then you know if you get stuck in traffic you don't have the added stress of paying for a missed ferry.

benjus

I assume you're looking at P&O here?

P&O has Saver, Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi/Premier. Standard Flexi is probably good enough to account for variations in traffic, as you can sail any time within 4 hours of your booking. Fully Flexi allows you to turn up whenever you want, and Saver limits you to the booked sailing only (unless you pay a fee).

andrewf75

benjus wrote: »

I assume you're looking at P&O here?

P&O has Saver, Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi/Premier. Standard Flexi is probably good enough to account for variations in traffic, as you can sail any time within 4 hours of your booking. Fully Flexi allows you to turn up whenever you want, and Saver limits you to the booked sailing only (unless you pay a fee).

Yes looking at P&O although I think DFDS has a similar system. But surely the flexibility depends on availability so you clearly need to aim for your booked crossing in any case - especially at busy tims. The only difference seems to be whether you pay up front for the possibility of sailing on a different crossing or whether you pay the extra only in the event you actually need it. In which case may as well just get a saver surely?

Tarry

Only ever got the saver ticket?

peachyprice

andrewf75 wrote: »

Yes looking at P&O although I think DFDS has a similar system. But surely the flexibility depends on availability so you clearly need to aim for your booked crossing in any case - especially at busy tims. The only difference seems to be whether you pay up front for the possibility of sailing on a different crossing or whether you pay the extra only in the event you actually need it. In which case may as well just get a saver surely?

It's all a gamble. Turning up for the wrong ferry could mean a £50-60 fare, do that both ways and your 'saver' ticket soon becomes a 'waste of money' ticket, considering it's only £20 more for a flexi.

Tarry

peachyprice wrote: »

It's all a gamble. Turning up for the wrong ferry could mean a £50-60 fare, do that both ways and your 'saver' ticket soon becomes a 'waste of money' ticket, considering it's only £20 more for a flexi.

Worth the money especially in peak seasons when the ferry fares are much more costly IMHO

andrewf75

Thanks both. If it can be that much extra the £20 is probably worth paying I guess.

zagfles

IIRC with DFDS you can go on the sailing before or after the booked one for no extra charge on their cheapest fare. What I usually do is book the crossing after the one I want. Eg if the crossings are 1200, 1400, 1600 and I want the 1200 one, I'll book the 1400 one. Turn up for the 1200 one, then if I'm delayed or whatever I can still get the 1400 or 1600 one.